July 2023 Sports Archive – Key Highlights

July was a busy month on the Muslim Sports Council blog. We tackled big questions like why the WNBA survives despite losses, which sport might disappear next, who Robert Douglas Smith is, and whether LeBron James could jump to the NFL. Below is a quick rundown of each story and the takeaways you can use right away.

Why the WNBA Keeps Playing Even When It Loses Money

At first glance the WNBA looks like a cash‑draining league. Year after year the numbers show a deficit, but the league isn’t going anywhere. The secret isn’t ticket sales alone – it’s the steady stream of NBA support, TV deals, and sponsorships that keep the doors open. Sponsors see value in the growing female‑athlete market, and broadcasters get content that fills niche slots. In short, the WNBA runs on a partnership model: the NBA provides financial backing, partners buy exposure, and fans show up for the love of the game. This mix means the league can keep growing even if the balance sheet looks red.

For anyone wondering whether the WNBA could survive without NBA help, the answer is unlikely in the short term. The league is still building its own brand value, and until that reaches a self‑sustaining point, the partnership will stay essential. The upside is huge though – more visibility for women’s sports, better role models, and a growing fan base that could eventually turn the profit tide.

Which Popular Sport Might Fade First?

We asked which sport could be the first to die out, and American football topped the list. The sport faces a perfect storm of concussion concerns, rising insurance costs, and parents pulling kids from tackle leagues. Youth participation numbers are slipping, and colleges are feeling the pressure to add safety protocols that cost a lot. If the pipeline dries up, the professional level will feel the pinch too.

That doesn’t mean football will vanish tomorrow. It’s more a warning that the game must evolve – better helmets, rule tweaks, and a focus on player health. Those changes could keep the sport alive, but the conversation around safety will shape its future.

While football grapples with these issues, other sports like soccer and basketball keep growing thanks to global fan bases and relatively low injury risk. The takeaway for fans and investors is simple: watch how football adapts over the next few years; its response will set the tone for how other high‑impact sports handle safety concerns.

Spotlight: Who Is Robert Douglas Smith?

One of July’s posts introduced Robert Douglas Smith, a historian who digs deep into medieval military tech. His research on the artillery of the Dukes of Burgundy gave fresh insight into how early gunpowder weapons changed battlefield tactics. Smith’s books are praised for blending scholarly detail with readable storytelling, making medieval warfare feel accessible.

If you’re curious about how past tech influences modern sport gear – think of the evolution from chainmail to protective pads – Smith’s work offers a cool backdrop. He shows that innovation isn’t new; it’s been happening for centuries.

Could LeBron James Play in the NFL Right Now?

LeBron’s athleticism sparks endless “what‑if” chats. He’s strong, fast, and has the coordination to dominate many sports. But the NFL isn’t just about raw power; it demands specific skills, playbook knowledge, and years of football conditioning. LeBron would need to learn route running, tackling technique, and the mental read‑react speed that NFL players develop from a young age.

So, while you might see him crush a few drills in a training camp, joining the NFL at peak NBA form is a stretch. The realistic path would be a gradual transition, perhaps starting with a lower‑tier league or a position that leverages his size, like tight end. Even then, the learning curve is steep.

Bottom line: LeBron’s talent is undeniable, but crossing from the NBA to the NFL isn’t a simple switch. It’s a reminder that elite athletes still need sport‑specific training to excel at the highest level.

That’s the July roundup – a mix of finance, future trends, history, and big‑name speculation. Keep checking the archive for more deep dives and fresh perspectives on the games we love.